Research challenges in endocrine aspects of canine ovarian cycles.

ABSTRACT

Significant deficiencies exist in understanding factors controlling the nature and timing of critical endocrine changes in canine ovarian cycles. The following merit further study changes in steroid clearance and binding; mathematically modelling periovulatory hormone rate of change interactions; luteal gonadotropin dependence; endogenous circannual cycles underlying the ovarian cycle; importance of periovulatory follicular steroid dynamics on granulosa and oocytes; in vitro capacity of anoestrous ovarian tissue to demonstrate roles of individual gonadotropins and steroid precursors to increase oestradiol production; factors affecting secretion and activation of the canine female sex pheromone.